G/T Adventures

Lies and Vines Pt. 2

When Batman arrived at the mansion, he was surprised that Pamela hadn't already arrived. He was, however, met outside by his loyal butler and friend. 

"Alfred," he walked over to the older man, extending a hand slowly to show him Harley's frail, bruised body. 

"You've found her, then? It's a good thing to see that the Clown Prince was unable to fully break his Princess." Alfred stated with a hint of bitterness in his voice. "I suppose we best get her cleaned up before Ms. Isley arrives, or she'll throw an absolute fit."

Sighing heavily, the Dark Knight pulled his hands close to his chest once more. He wasn't sure whether to question him about why he was so calm about this or not. "You don't think we should wait for Pamela to get here?"

Alfred raised a wrinkled brow at him, gingerly taking the unconscious Harley from his hands. "With all due respect, sir, your mask might be on a little too tight. Miss Isley wouldn't appreciate that, and I don't expect Miss Quinn would either."

Chuckling breathily, Batman nodded and walked into the manor, following closely behind his butler.

Alfred had already prepared the warm bowl of water as requested, as well as a soft cloth in one of the downstairs bathrooms. He placed Harley slowly down onto the counter and dipped the cloth into the water, ready to begin washing dried blood off of her when she twitched and moved a hand to her head. "Miss Quinn?" He spoke gently, placing the cloth back down.

Harley's blue eyes slowly opened and she looked up at the butler, who gazed down at her in as much concern as Batman had done when he'd found her. "Jeeves!" She grinned widely through the pain. "I-It's real good to s-see ya!"

The older gentleman couldn't fight the small smile that cracked on his lips. "As it is you, Miss Quinn. Master Bruce went to change out of his suit, but he will be in shortly. No doubt to question you about your new height. I apologize beforehand if he isn't as empathetic as he should be."

"Ah, d-don't ya worry about me, Alfred," Harley stated, her grin remaining. "I c-can take a blow or two!" She then pushed herself up onto wobbly legs, trying to prove her point. "S-See? I-I'm f-fi-" Her legs gave out, cutting her off and a large, gentle finger stopped her before she could hit the marble countertop.

"Perhaps it is best if you remain sitting for now. This water here is to help you get cleaned up. Would you like assistance, or shall I leave you to do it yourself?" Alfred hoped she'd let him help, but the determined look on her face as she shook her head told him that wasn't going to happen. "All of you are stubborn as mules." He chuckled, once more dipping the rag into the water to re-wet it before again placing it beside Harley. "Wash that blood off your face. The makeup, too."

Harley lifted a hand to her face, using two fingers to wipe a streak of white paint off and gazed at it silently. "Y-Yeah...I bet it looks awful, huh?"

"All of you looks awful, Miss. That's why you need to get yourself cleaned up." Alfred murmured, glancing over his shoulder as Bruce walked in, dressed in a suit and tie. "And what makes you think you needed to dress up? You aren't entertaining you're helping someone you should call your friend."

"I felt more comfortable being seen in my usual attire rather than a set of pajamas," Bruce responded calmly. "You go wait for Ivy. I'll stay with Harley."

Alfred politely nodded his head, casting a small but reassuring smile Harley's way before leaving the bathroom to do as he was told. 

Harley held a corner of the rag in her hands, gazing at the large fabric with uncertainty. "I-it's funny...ya know? I-I could picked this up so easily months ago. I-I coulda beat the shit outta Mistah J if I really wanted to. And then, in an instant...poof. I'm one of them Harley Quinn action figures."